Don't Tell Anyone Ruth 3:14 - Equipped for Battle

The plan has been made, and Boaz and Ruth intend to fulfill it as soon as the morning comes. However, for the time being, Boaz asked Ruth to stay with him until then, and then their plan would take action. Once again Ruth has a choice to make, and we see her decision in chapter three and verse fourteen of this great book of Ruth where we read:

And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

Boaz asked Ruth to continue with him through the night, and once again we see Ruth's obedience: “And she lay at his feet until morning:”. Ruth could have protested, and she could have run. Ruth could have simply left what appears to be an improper invitation, but she didn't. No, Ruth understood the advantage she would be afforded by staying at Boaz' feet. It was for Boaz she had come in the first place. Why would she leave him now?

Also, this verse tells us, “and she rose up before one could know another.” which shows us the wisdom of Ruth. Before anyone could gain fodder for conversation or rumor, Ruth left the floor where Boaz lay. As we have discussed in previous verses, timing is everything when engaging in such a sensitive matter. Should she be exposed in advance, the union between she and Boaz may have been spoiled. Once again we note what was most important was the relationship with Boaz, and nothing was to impede it.

Finally we read where Boaz gives one more instruction to Ruth, “Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.” Boaz knows the implications of someone hearing about a woman coming to the threshing floor. In that day women were not allowed in this place, and should Ruth be found out, she and Boaz' plan would never come to fruition. This was to be a secret between Boaz and Ruth, and although we have insight into their clandestine act, at that time nothing was to be known.

There are times of obedience with our kinsman redeemer Jesus where no one else is to know. There is a secret place with God. Psalm ninety one and verse one says: “He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” As with Boaz and Ruth, there are instructions from God to us where He has greater knowledge than we, and when we are obedient to His instructions, our relationship with Him is preserved. Oh yes, we have a choice not to listen and obey, however, it is to our advantage to cling to every word He shares with us. We benefit by staying at His feet, allowing Him to direct the work, and obeying every desire that He has for us. Ruth will be blessed by her obedience to Boaz, and we will certainly be blessed by our obedience to Jesus Christ.

Next time we will watch as Boaz pours out more blessing upon Ruth before she leaves, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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